After Waldemar came back from teaching in Singapore, we had a community dinner. Clau talked about contentment - a good topic for the month of love.
Always fun to see the mix of cultures and creativity.
Starting Monday, Feb. 11, we spent a few days at a conference in Thailand. Leaving from our airport is an adventure in itself.
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| The reader boards use Indonesian |
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| Encouragement on the bathroom wall at the airport: children are a cultural value |
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| The airplane wings were almost overhead as it taxied by on the way to takeoff |
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| Menswear store - take your pick |
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| The markets have lots of fresh food |
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| Meals were delicious - some were more Western than others |
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| Transport was often in little open motorcycle 3-wheelers |
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| Construction everywhere, even outside our motel window |
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| I want a little one of these 3-wheelers for runabouts |
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| An altar in many driveways, in front of many shops. |
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| Some interesting fashion fails |
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| Maybe the longest escalator |
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| The electrical wires overhead are an electrician's nightmare |
The emergency stairs at the hotel were short! to say the least ... that's my shoe. Mind you, they were even height - which we always find surprising after living in Indonesia.
It was great to meet with peers but we also were inspired and learned a lot. Now to put that into our context.
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| Bangkok looked beautiful as we said goodbye from the airplane. |
We felt kinda weary - W had a cold in Thailand so we didn't do too much running around. My lungs were at low capacity with the residuals from the flu. Slowly we're picking up steam though. (YAY)
It was nice to touch down at home, that's for sure. We ran the gauntlet of teen sellers on the freeway toll road outside Jakarta, as usual. It was a mere 5.5 hr commute (110 miles; 180 km).
We love the various communities of Bandung, including at BIC - we became their pastors mid-month (Feb 10).
Take heart - God knows where you are and what your name is. Look up if you have looked around and can't find the answers you need.
Read more:
*Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me. Isaiah 46:9
*A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. Ezekiel 36:26
*And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:18 NKJV
*(From Paul's letter) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 NIV
*Let us look to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
Moravian Prayer: Lord Jesus, on this day our hearts turn to love. We humbly approach you as the love of all loves for guidance to help us love even the unlovable. We know love is all powerful, so strengthen us in your love. In the name of Jesus.
God of redemption, freedom from sin inspires us to further adore and serve you. You have given us the coat of righteousness. In appreciation for your great love and mercy, we come to serve you through all the days of our lives. Accept us as your faithful servants. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
